Frances graduated from Enid High School in 1933 and from Phillips University in 1937 with a bachelorís degree in education. She taught junior high and high school math and science for two years each at Farry and Seiling schools. In 1941, she began working in the Directorate of Civilian Headquarters of the War Department, transferring in 1947 to the Directorate of Civilian Personnel Headquarters, United States Air Force. The Department of the Air Force presented her the Meritorious Civilian Service Award for her distinguished performance as personnel management specialist in the Directorate of Civilian Personnel, office of deputy chief of staff, personnel, headquarters, USAF, from April 1962 to April 1973, when she retired.

Frances was very pleased and proud that her family included by birth, marriage or adoption, persons who were born in South Korea, the Philippines, Ecuador, Poland and the USA.